Irv Rosen Poop 2013

So little music, so much time. Listening less. And less. As part of my slide to senility, not much new seems to speak to me at all. So this list is mostly new efforts by older artists. I guess this is the way it is meant to be. Why is it that invariably (or almost so), the current releases of “legacy” artists while good, rarely seem to approach the quality (or my perception of the quality) of their older works? Is it perception or is it real?

Buy New or Used via AmazonRichard Thompson – Electric
Each new RT album winds its way onto the list. This one, better than most of recent vintage, helped immeasurably by Buddy Miller’s influence. A nice collection of songs.

Buy New or Used via AmazonValerie June – Pushin’ Against a Stone
Someone new!! Tennessee artist plays a really soulful combo of soul, folk blues, country with a little blue grass. Intriguing voice. Going to see her open for Sharon Jones & Dap Kings in a few weeks. Looking forward.

Buy New or Used via AmazonSacred Shakers – Live
Eilen Jewell’s side project (or alternative main project) is a nice collection of mostly neo-gospel songs.

Buy New or Used via AmazonHandsome Family – Singing Bones
Well, this album is actually 10 years old. Got hooked watching True Detective on HBO – “Far From Any Road” is the theme song. An album including many death dirges. Depressicana. Very minimalist. Kind of gothic.

Buy New or Used via AmazonNeil Young – Live at the Cellar Door
Think that Neil has been on more of my lists than anyone else. Enough said. Neil from his best era.

Buy New or Used via AmazonWilliam Onyeabor – Who is William Onyeabor
Nigerian funkster whose work (this is all old stuff) resembles some P-Funk, some King Sunny Ade, Afro-Pop. Mysterious bio – studied film in Russia, is a high chief of his tribe in Nigeria, flour mill owner. Disavowed music for Christianity.

Buy New or Used via AmazonMavericks – In Time
Did not realize that I missed the Mavericks until this came along. Probably their best. Concert in Clearwater, FL coming up soon – can’t wait.

Buy New or Used via AmazonBillie Joe + Norah – Foreverly
A late addition, likely influenced by the death of Phil. Probably a little too faithful to the original “Songs Our Daddy Taught Us”. They do sound eerily like the Brothers at times.

Steve Earle – The Low Highway
Automatic addition.

Mavis Staples – One True Vine
Another bankable artist. No matter what she sings

Robbie Fulks
The king of smart aleck country. Less snarky than usual but still fun.

Dan Bern – Doubleheader
Every year requires a baseball album. This does the trick. Perhaps 2014 will bring another Baseball Project album?

Gogol Bordello – Pura Vida Conspiracy
Far from their best, but still good enough to rate a mention.

RIP Lou and Phil

Irv Rosen
Tarpon Springs, the sponge capital of the world
Pitchers and Catchers report to Clearwater on February 13